The large plug-in hybrid SUV, the BYD Denza B8, has successfully passed the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash tests, earning a top five-star safety rating. The model, known in its home market of China as the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8, was launched there in November 2024. This 5.2-meter (approximately 17-foot) vehicle boasts an adjustable ground clearance of up to 310 mm (12.2 inches) and is now available for order in Australia in both six- and seven-seat configurations, signaling BYD’s ambitious global expansion.
Detailed ANCAP Safety Scores
The Denza B8 demonstrated strong performance across most safety categories, achieving its highest score in Child Occupant Protection at 95%. The vehicle’s structure provided excellent safety in both frontal offset and side-impact collisions. However, the rating was slightly impacted by the absence of top tether anchorages for child seats in the third row, making their installation not recommended. Adult Occupant Protection was rated at 86%, though protection was deemed marginal in the demanding oblique pole test.
In the Vulnerable Road User Protection category, the SUV scored 75%, with mixed results noted around the stiff windscreen pillars and the leading edge of the bonnet. The Safety Assist systems received a score of 78%; while the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) performed well, the vehicle showed a lack of intervention for driver distraction or fatigue, and its Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system failed to meet ANCAP’s standards.
Powertrain and Performance
The Denza B8 is built on BYD’s DMO (Dual Motor Off-road) platform. The Australian specification features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine combined with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 425 kW (570 hp). This allows the nearly 3.3-tonne SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a remarkable 4.8 seconds. The vehicle is equipped with a 36.8 kWh LFP Blade Battery and a large 91-liter fuel tank, providing a combined range of up to 1,040 km (646 miles) under NEDC conditions. Its advanced DiSus-P adaptive suspension system allows for significant adjustments in ride height and stiffness, enhancing its off-road credentials, which include a wading depth of 890mm.
Market Position and Competitors
In Australia, the Denza B8 is priced to compete aggressively with established players in the large SUV segment. The seven-seat version starts at AUD 91,000 ($64,360), while the six-seat variant is priced at AUD 97,990 ($69,300). This positions it as a compelling alternative to rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and the Land Rover Defender, neither of which currently offer a plug-in hybrid option. Denza, positioned as BYD’s premium brand, aims to offer Lexus-like luxury at a more accessible price point.
Future Outlook
The Denza B8’s five-star ANCAP rating is a significant milestone for BYD, reinforcing the safety and technological advancement of its vehicles as it expands into Western markets. According to ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg, these results demonstrate that manufacturers are meeting consumer expectations for high safety standards regardless of the powertrain. The successful launch and positive safety evaluation of the B8, alongside its sibling B5 model, signal a new era of competition in the large off-road SUV market, where advanced hybrid technology and comprehensive safety features are becoming increasingly crucial differentiators.
